The AI for Public Health (AI4PH) Health Research Training Platform, Co-Directed by Professor Laura Rosella, and funded by CIHR, held their 3rd Annual Showcase at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg, hosted by the University of Manitoba on July 14, 2025. The event brings together AI4PH mentors and trainees, stakeholders, and invited guests to discuss the achievements of the program and share advances in research and data with a focus on health equity in AI for Public Health. This year, there were 53 attendees representing universities and partners from across Canada.
The Showcase was followed by the four-day AI4PH Summer Institute with training focused on federated learning and other privacy protecting methodologies.
This year’s local host was Lisa Lix joined by the AI4PH Directors, and the Showcase featured keynote presentations, two panel sessions, and the much-anticipated scholar showcase. The presenters were:
- Mina Nourendesh: “Empowering Aging Populations: AI for Complex Conditions and Rehabilitation”
- Lily Lim: “Distinct patterns of healthcare use are detectable before diagnosis of juvenile arthritis
- Dierdre Hennessey: “Data and Methods Enabling Public Health Research at Statistics Canada and Beyond”
- Zahra Shakeri: “Beyond the Axis: Creating Engaging Narratives with Health Data”
The panel sessions:
- Taylor Morriseau and panel members Jillian Waruk and Sindney Leggett from First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba: “Our Data, Our Truths, Our Voice: AI for First Nations Sovereignty”
- Carolyn Shimmin and the AI4PH Community Advisory Board (CAB) members Paula Oreklin and Christo Lotz: “Community Engagement Session”.
A highlight of the day was the scholar showcase, where the 2024/25 AI4PH award holders presented their research and engaged attendees in lively poster discussions demonstrating the breadth and depth of current research across the platform.
The Showcase succeeded not only in underlining the platforms achievements but also in deepening the AI4PH community. As one participant put it: “Just talking with other students doing similar projects in the niche was awesome.” From research to relationships, the energy of this year’s event supports the continued growth of the platform.